Janubio Beach is a long beach of black volcanic sand and stone on the south-west coast of Lanzarote, in the municipality of Yaiza. It forms a bar between the open Atlantic and a saltwater lagoon, around which lie the Janubio salt flats (Salinas de Janubio). The sea here carries strong currents and rough waves, and the beach is unsafe for swimming. It is known for its dark shoreline, clear water and sunsets over the ocean.
Janubio Beach
Local name: Playa de Janubio
Long black volcanic beach between a saltwater lagoon and the open Atlantic, with strong currents
- Entrance
- Free; there is no ticket.
- Accessibility
- Reached on foot from the car park, a walk of about seven minutes; the beach is black sand and stone with rocky lava sections, and there are no facilities.
- Parking
- Free car park about 400 m from the beach in a straight line; a second parking area about 480 m away.
- Difficulty
- Easy walk of about seven minutes from the car park; the beach itself has rocky lava sections that are uncomfortable barefoot.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop: Rotonda La Hoya, about 1.6 km away in a straight line.
- Advance booking
- Not needed.
- Hours
- Open at all times; it is an open beach with no gate.
- Address
- Playa del Janubio, 35570, Las Palmas, Spain
What makes it special
The beach is a bank of black volcanic sand and stone, with the Atlantic breaking on one side and the flat water of a saltwater lagoon on the other. Dark lava rocks stand out in the surf. The stones keep the sea very clear, even when it runs rough.
Behind the lagoon spread the salt pans of the Janubio salt flats (Salinas de Janubio), the other reason people stop here with a camera. Nothing is built on the sand. It is a quiet beach, and in the evening people come to watch the sun go down over the open ocean.
Good to know
- Do not swim. Strong currents and rough waves make the sea unsafe, and the stones make getting in and out difficult.
- Bring supplies. There are no restaurants, showers or toilets, and no drinking water nearby; carry water and snacks.
- No shade. Nothing on the beach blocks the sun, so bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Wear proper shoes. The rocky lava sections are uncomfortable barefoot.
Getting there
There is a car park about 400 m from the beach in a straight line, and a second parking area about 480 m away. From the car park the walk to the shore takes about seven minutes, and the last stretch crosses black sand and stone.
The nearest bus stop, Rotonda La Hoya, lies about 1.6 km away in a straight line.
Best time to visit
Best: the evening, for the sunset over the ocean.
Avoid: the middle of a hot, sunny day.
The beach looks west over open sea, so the sun sets straight over the water, and with no shade anywhere on the sand the midday hours are hard going.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Janubio Beach on the map
Strong currents and rough waves run along this open Atlantic shore, and the sea is unsafe for swimming. Stay out of the water and never turn your back on the waves at the shoreline.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Janubio Beach?
No. The sea carries strong currents and rough waves, and the beach is unsafe for swimming, for strong swimmers as much as for children.Where do you park for Janubio Beach?
There is a car park about 400 m from the beach in a straight line, and a second parking area about 480 m away. The walk from the car park to the shore takes about seven minutes.Are there any facilities at the beach?
No. There are no restaurants, shade, showers or toilets, and no drinking water nearby. Bring water, snacks and sunscreen.Is the beach sandy?
The shore is black volcanic sand and stone, with rocky lava sections that are uncomfortable barefoot. Wear proper shoes.What else is there to see nearby?
The Janubio salt flats (Salinas de Janubio) lie around the lagoon behind the beach.